Global IDP Team · 2026-03-05 · 12 min read
Australia is a road trip paradise. With vast distances between cities, stunning coastal drives, and the legendary Outback, driving is often the best — and sometimes the only — way to explore this enormous continent. From the Great Ocean Road to the Red Centre, Australia offers unforgettable driving experiences.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Australia?
Yes, in most cases. Australian states require foreign visitors to carry an IDP if their domestic license is not in English. Even if your license is in English, an IDP is recommended because:
- All Australian states and territories accept IDPs
- If your license is not in English, you must carry either an IDP or an official English translation
- Car rental companies routinely request an IDP
- Police officers may ask for it during routine checks
- Insurance claims are smoother with proper documentation
State-by-State Rules
State/Territory · IDP Requirement ·
---------------- · ---------------- ·
New South Wales · Required if license not in English ·
Victoria · Required if license not in English ·
Queensland · Required if license not in English ·
Western Australia · Required if license not in English ·
South Australia · Required if license not in English ·
Tasmania · Required if license not in English ·
Northern Territory · Recommended ·
ACT · Required if license not in English ·
Foreign visitors can drive on their domestic license + IDP for up to 3 months in most states (12 months in some).
Australia Driving Rules & Requirements
Rule · Details ·
------ · --------- ·
Side of the road · Left-hand traffic ·
Minimum driving age · 17–18 years (varies by state) ·
Speed limit — urban · 50 km/h ·
Speed limit — highways · 100–110 km/h ·
Speed limit — Northern Territory · 130 km/h (some sections) ·
Blood alcohol limit · 0.05% (0.00% for learners and P-platers) ·
Seatbelts · Mandatory for all occupants ·
Mobile phone use · Strictly prohibited ·
Speed Enforcement
Australia is known for strict speed enforcement:
- Speed cameras are widespread and often hidden
- Mobile speed cameras (unmarked vehicles) are common
- Point-to-point cameras measure your average speed over a distance
- Fines start from Start Application